Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

Created: 03/08/13

Replies: 6

Posted Mar. 08, 2013
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admin

Join Date: 10/11/10

Posts: 369

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Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths? Did this surprise you?

Posted Mar. 25, 2013
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rosannes

Join Date: 01/29/13

Posts: 21

RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

Hemingway did this about a lot of people. I think anything was open and fair game to him. He was an egotist too. He always seemed to feel better about himself by trashing others.

Posted Mar. 25, 2013
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janeh

Join Date: 06/15/11

Posts: 136

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RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

Hemingway was also an alcoholic. Hard to know when it was the alcohol talking or him expressing his true feelings. Probably more of the alcohol talking as well as a little paranoia and jealousy.

Posted Mar. 27, 2013
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lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

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RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

“His [Scott Fitzgerald's] talent was as natural as the pattern that made by the dust on a butterfly's wings. At one time he understood it no more than the butterfly did and-he did not know when it was brushed or marred. Later he became conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learned to think and could not fly any more because the love of flight was gone and he could only remember when it had been effortless.”

- Hemingway

Posted Mar. 30, 2013
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kateg

Join Date: 04/28/11

Posts: 25

RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

Hemingway and Scott seemed to be psychologically similar even though they had different interests and styles. Both were insecure alcoholics and neither was particularly graceful. After Scott died, Ernest could be spiteful without fear of retribution. Both thought they were they better writer, there was lots of professional jealousy. As for Zelda, Hemingway blamed her for Scott's problems and faults.

Posted Apr. 01, 2013
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catherinem

Join Date: 10/06/11

Posts: 23

RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

There was an interesting NPR interview with Therese Anne Fowler where she discusses this question. You can listen to the interview at http://www.npr.org/2013/03/23/174736463/z-tells-the-fitzgeralds-story-from-zeldas-point-of-view.

Posted Apr. 01, 2013
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Navy Mom

Join Date: 04/12/12

Posts: 153

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RE: Why did Hemingway write so spitefully about Zelda and Scott after their deaths?

I think Hemingway's Ego was way out of line and he would put down anyone or anything in order to raise himself in esteem in the literary world. I was also curious about the author's alluding to something more to Hemingway and Fitzgerald's relationship than just friendship. I think Hemingway's treatment of Zelda stemmed from her rejection of him, which probably didn't happen much to him.